Current Affairs Today 21st May 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 21st May 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

1. World Metrology Day is observed globally on 20th May every year.
2. National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on 21 May every year in India.
3. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is held every year on May 21.
4. International Tea Day is observed globally May 21 on the recommendation of India.
5. In April 2020, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund Company had closed 6 of its debt schemes in consultation with SEBI.
6. Swami Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda Limited has launched its e-commerce app named “OrderMe”.
7. Facebook has announced the launch of a new feature, ‘Facebook Shops’, on its platform as an important tool for small businesses to create online stores on Facebook and Instagram.
8. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 20 May 2020.
9. The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the extension for the welfare of Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY).
10. Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched IGNOU’s Online Programme, MA (Hindi) through Facebook Live session.
11. Didi Vehicle Service” has been launched by the women of Rural Livelihood Mission in the tribal-dominated Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh
12. “Mee Annapurna” initiative has been launched in Maharashtra by an IRDA licensed insurance intermediary “Integrated Risk Insurance”.
13. the Ranchi district launched the “Tatpar” program to help the migrant workers to get back to their native places on bus instead of tiresome travel by foot.
14. The administration in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir issued a new set of rules named “Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules 2020” which defines the rules for issuing domicile certificates in the UT.
15. Uttar Pradesh government has launched the ‘Uttar Pradesh Startup Fund’ to encourage the youth of the state for entrepreneurship.
16. Flipkart partnered with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company(BAGIC) to offer digital motor insurance policy to customers of e-commerce major.
17. Directorate General Defence Estates(DGDE), Ministry of Defence & eGov Foundation has signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) on May 8 through video conference to implement a cloud-based platform to deliver various citizen services under the program e-Chhawani & to drive e-governance and improved citizen services across all 62 cantonment boards in the country.
18. Indian Steel Association (ISA) has appointed Dilip Oommen as its new President.
19. The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet has appointed Govinda Rajulu Chintala as the Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
20. World Bank Group has appointed Carmen Reinhart as its new Vice President and Chief Economist.
21. J&K Government has appointed B R Sharma, former IAS Officer, as Chairman Public Service Commission for the UT of J&K.
22. Two Indian Powerlifters namely Savita Kumari & Ankit Shishodia have been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA).
23. Ministry of Defence approved procurement of 26 defence items to boost “Make in India” initiative. This was done through the amendment of Public .
24. Sri Adhikari Brothers opens up for audiences yet another classic hit show –‘GaltiKiski’ –based on the book ‘What Went Wrong and Why?, written by super cop &the current Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry – Kiran Bedi.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

World Metrology Day observed globally on 20th May

• World Metrology Day is observed globally on 20th May every year.
• Many nations on this day internationally collaborate to create awareness about metrology and its advancement in the respective field.

Theme

• This year theme for World Metrology Day: Measurements for global trade. This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in facilitating fair global trade, ensuring products meet standards and regulations, and satisfying customer quality expectations.

History

• World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 in Paris, France by representatives of seventeen nations. The World Metrology Day project is realized jointly by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).

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OIML: The International Organization of Legal Metrology, is an intergovernmental organization that was created in 1955 to promote the global harmonization of the legal metrology procedures that underpin and facilitate international trade.

• Headquarters location: Paris, France
• Founded: 1955
• Purpose: Metrology
• Budget: 20 lakhs EUR
• Legal status: Treaty
• Type of business: Intergovernmental organization
• Profiles

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on 21 May

• National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on 21 May every year in India.
• The day aims to raise awareness about the anti-social act of terrorism and its impact on human suffering and lives.
• The day marks the death anniversary of the Former Prime Minister of India.
• The day also aims to spread the message of peace and humanity and to promote unity among people.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the day has been decided to be observed with precautions.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has advised that ‘Anti-Terrorism Pledge’ may be taken solemnly by the Officials in their rooms/offices itself.

History:

• The seventh Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on 21 May 1991. He was killed in Tamil Nadu in a campaign by the terrorist. Following this tragedy, under the V.P. Singh government, the Centre has decided to observe 21 May as Anti Terrorism Day.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development observed 21 May

• The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is held every year on May 21.
• PURPOSE: to celebrate the richness of the world’s cultures and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change for achieving peace and sustainable development.
• In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

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UN: The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.

• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
• Founded: 24 October 1945, San Francisco, California, United States
• Official languages: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish;
• Secretary general: António Guterres

International Tea Day observed globally on 21st May

• International Tea Day is observed globally May 21 on the recommendation of India.
• The purpose of International Tea Day is to try to improve the condition of tea producers and tea workers.
• Tea producing countries make a lot of profit but the condition of the labourers working in the tea plantations is very bad.
• Therefore, the purpose of International Tea Day is to encourage the status of tea workers, workers’ rights, daily wages, social security, employment security, and health.

History

• The United Nations General Assembly has designated May 21 as International Tea Day based on a proposal moved by India at the FAO Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Tea in October 2015. Before 2019, December 15 is celebrated as International Tea Day in tea producing nations such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India and Tanzania.

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FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to “let there be bread”.

• Headquarters: Rome, Italy
• Head: Qu Dongyu
• Founded: 16 October 1945, Quebec City, Canada
• Formation: 16 October 1945; 74 years ago
• Area: Europe
• Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council

BANKING AND FINANCE

Franklin MF ropes in Kotak Mahindra Bank to wind-up 6 schemes

• In April 2020, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund Company had closed 6 of its debt schemes in consultation with SEBI.
• SEBI had advised it to bring in an independent advisor on board ahead of the unitholders’ vote on the winding-up process.
• In compliance with it, Franklin Templeton MF has appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank to expedite the process of monetizing the assets in the portfolios of the six wound-up schemes and make payouts to the affected investors.

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Franklin Resources Inc. is an American multinational holding company that, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as Franklin Templeton; it is a global investment firm founded in New York City in 1947 as Franklin Distributors, Inc. Assets under management: 71,710 crores USD (2018)

• Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States
• Revenue: 570 crores USD (2019)
• CEO: Jennifer M. Johnson Gregory E. Johnson

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Patanjali launches e-commerce app ‘OrderMe’

• Swami Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda Limited has launched its e-commerce app named “OrderMe”.
• The name of the app represents the spiritual word ‘OM’ (O for Order and M for Me).
• OrderMe will limit its delivery and endorsing to swadeshi products.

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Patanjali Ayurved Limited is an Indian consumer goods company. Manufacturing units and headquarters are located in the industrial area of Haridwar, Uttarakhand while the registered office is located at Delhi. The company manufactures mineral and herbal products.

• Owner: Balkrishna
• Founded: January 2006
• Headquarters location: Haridwar
• Subsidiaries: Ruchi Soya, Advance Navigation and Solar Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Herboved, Inc.
• Founders: Ramdev, Balkrishna

Facebook Launches Shopping Platform ‘Facebook Shops’ for Small Businesses

• Facebook has announced the launch of a new feature, ‘Facebook Shops’, on its platform as an important tool for small businesses to create online stores on Facebook and Instagram.
• The new service was launched by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on 19 May 2020.
• Facebook Shops will allow businesses to sell their product both on Facebook and Instagram by setting up storefronts on the apps.
• The new initiative will bring more local businesses online and help them to survive amid the coronavirus pandemic, while also creating big new business opportunities for Facebook itself.

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Facebook, Inc. is an American social media and technology company based in Menlo Park, California.

• Founded: February 2004, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States
• Revenue: 7,069.7 crores USD (2019)
• Founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew McCollum, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 20 May 2020.
• The scheme aims to boost investments in the fisheries sector and increase of competitiveness of fish and fisheries products.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana:

• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme aims to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India under two components namely, Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• The total estimated investment for the scheme is Rs.20,050 crore comprising of the Central government share of Rs.9,407 crore, State government share of Rs.4,880 crore, and Beneficiaries’ share of Rs.5,763 crore.
• PMMSY Scheme will be implemented during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
• The scheme aims to address the critical gaps in the fisheries sector and realize its potential.
• The main objective of the scheme is the doubling of fishers, fish farmers, and fish workers’ incomes by 2024.
• It will ensure the availability of certified quality fish seed and feed, traceability in fish, and including effective aquatic health management.

Cabinet approves extension for the welfare of Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana

• The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the extension for the welfare of Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY).
• It aims to enable old age income security for Senior Citizens:

Highlights:

• As per the approval, the scheme is extended up to 31 March 2023 for a further period of three years beyond 31 March 2020.
• It also allowed initially an assured rate of return of 7.40% per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum and thereafter to be reset every year.
• Annual reset of the assured rate of interest with effect from 1 April of the financial year in line with the revised rate of returns of Senior Citizens Saving Scheme (SCSS) up to a ceiling of 7.75% with a fresh appraisal of the scheme on breach of this threshold at any point.
• It also approved the expenditure to be incurred on account of the difference between the market rate of return generated by LIC (net of expenses) and the guaranteed rate of return under the scheme.
• The extension also includes capping Management expenses at 0.5% p.a. of funds of the scheme for the first year of scheme in respect of new policies issued and thereafter 0.3% p.a. for the second year onwards for the next 9 years.

Union HRD Minister launches IGNOU’s Online MA Hindi Programme

• Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched IGNOU’s Online Programme, MA (Hindi) through Facebook Live session.
• This would strengthen our ‘Padhe India’ Online initiative and commended IGNOU’s role in promoting online education.
• the initiatives like National Digital Library (NDL), Swayam, Swayam Prabha, Diksha among other platforms are providing digital education to lakhs of learners across India and IGNOU’s step in the same direction will give impetus to this.
• Nageshwar Rao, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU gave the introduction of the other online programmes launched by IGNOU and also briefed the minister of the other initiatives taken by the University in the online space for higher education.
• Apart from MA in Hindi, the university has also launched programmes in MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies, BA in Tourism Studies, certificate course in Arabic, certificate in information technology, certificate programme in Library and Information Science.
• The session was broadcast live through IGNOU’s Gyan Darshan TV Channel, Gyan Dhara, and Facebook page.

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IGNOU

• Headquarters location: New Delhi
• Founded: 1985

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

“Didi Vehicle Service” launched in Madhya Pradesh

• “Didi Vehicle Service” has been launched by the women of Rural Livelihood Mission in the tribal-dominated Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh.

Highlights:

• Didi Vehicle Service has been launched for rural women for the safe delivery, hence proving to be a lifeline for pregnant rural women in tribal areas.
• The vehicle under the “Didi Vehicle Service” will also be available for other emergency services.
• The women of Rural Livelihood Mission are providing vehicle completely free under the “Didi Vehicle Service” which has been launched in 29 villages of 10 Gram Panchayats of Petlavad development block of Jhabua.
• The expenses of Didi vehicle service are borne by the women through the interest they are earning on their savings.

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Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal
• Chief Minister: Kamal Nath
• Governor: Lalji Tandon
• National Park: Bandhavgarh NP, Fossil NP, Kanha NP, Madhav NP, Panna NP, Pench NP, Sanjay NP, Satpura NP

“Mee Annapurna” initiative launched in Maharashtra

• “Mee Annapurna” initiative has been launched in Maharashtra by an IRDA licensed insurance intermediary “Integrated Risk Insurance”.
• This initiative has been launched by Integrated Risk Insurance as a part of its commitment as a Corporate Social Responsibility towards the welfare of the farmers and agriculture community in Maharashtra.
• This initiative is based on three commandments namely: Expertise, Engagement and Entitlement.
• “Mee Annapurna” is a commitment of Integrated Risk Insurance to the Bhoomiputra’s of Atmanirbhar Maharashtra in order to uplift the farming community by providing them long term sustainable programme for the continuity of their income.

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Maharashtra:

• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray
• Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Nawegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park, Tadoba National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Amba Barwa WLS, Bor WLS, Great Indian Bustard WLS, Lonar WLS, Melghat WLS, Gangewadi New Great Indian Bustard WLS, etc..

Ranchi district launches “Tatpar” programme to transport migrants

• the Ranchi district launched the “Tatpar” program to help the migrant workers to get back to their native places on bus instead of tiresome travel by foot.
• The administration launched a helpline “1950” to support the migrant workers in arranging buses.
• The officials collect the information about the workers travelling through foot in the national highways or on other roads and provide them transport facilities.
• A day after the launch of the programme, over 140 migrant workers were benefited through this programme and sent back to their native places through bus.
• Through this programme while transportation the migrant workers were provided with masks and food packets.

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Jharkhand

• Capital: Ranchi
• Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
• Governor: Draupadi Murmu

Jammu and Kashmir notifies new rules for issuing domicile certificates

• The administration in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir issued a new set of rules named “Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules 2020” which defines the rules for issuing domicile certificates in the UT.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules 2020” will define the basis for issuing domicile certificates to the people who satisfies the conditions stated in the Centre’s gazette notification introduced the domicile clause through an amendment to the J&K Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Act,2010.
• These rules will provide a time-bound and transparent procedure in the issuing of domicile certificates.

Extra Shots:

Jammu & Kashmir:

• Capitals- Jammu (Winter), Srinagar (Summer)
• Lt Governor- Girish Chandra Murmu
• National Parks: City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park, Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Baltal-Thajwas WLS, Changthang Cold Desert WLS, Gulmarg WLS, Jasrota WLS, Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WLS etc

UP govt launches ‘Startup Fund’ to encourage youth for entrepreneurship

• Uttar Pradesh government has launched the ‘Uttar Pradesh Startup Fund’ to encourage the youth of the state for entrepreneurship.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over the first installment of 15 crore rupees to Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) at a function in Lucknow yesterday.
• While launching the fund, Chief Minister said that a new start-up policy is need of the hour for agriculture, health, education, and other important sectors so that youth of state could connect with it.
• a large number of migrant workers had come to the state and that they needed to be given jobs on the basis of their skills.
• The current emphasis on startups will not only solve their problems but the benefit of their energy and talent will also be provided to the entire country through state.

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Uttar Pradesh:

• Capital: Lucknow
• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• State formed in: 24 January 1950
• Literacy Rate: 67.68%
• Nation Park: Dudhwa National Park

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Flipkart ties up with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance for digital motor insurance policy

• Flipkart partnered with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company(BAGIC) to offer digital motor insurance policy to customers of e-commerce major.

Highlights:

• This enables consumers to purchase the motor-insurance policy using the Flipkart mobile application.
• This also offers customised insurance solutions to power its mobile protection programme to all leading phone brands.
• This will enable Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to offer best in class service to the customers of Flipkart by providing pertinent solutions.
• Users can get access to seamless, accessible and flexible insurance solutions to ensure safety to the vehicles with the introduction of motor-insurance on the flipkart platform.
• The Moto OTS will allow the customers to inspect their four wheelers themselves to check for damages and also protects the cars from depreciation costs.
• This will provide 24X7 roadside assistance to policyholders who can claim their amount through cashless settlements.
• The assistance will be offered through SMS, phone calls or other digital platforms though applications like whatsapp or other chat with bot for the two wheelers.
• Customers are rewarded every year through No-Claim Bonus(NCB) a unique facility if they don’t make a claim and they are allowed to transfer up to 50% of this NCB amount while they switch insurers.

Extra Shots:

BAGIC: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company

• MD & CEO: Tapan Singhel
• Chief Financial Officer(CFO): Milind Choudhari
• Headquarters: Pune

Flipkart:

• SVP and group CEO: Emily McNeal
• Chief Operating Officer(COO): Sriram Venkataraman

Defence ministry & eGov Foundation signs MoU through video conference for Online Management of Cantonment Boards

• Directorate General Defence Estates(DGDE), Ministry of Defence & eGov Foundation has signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) on May 8 through video conference to implement a cloud-based platform to deliver various citizen services under the program e-Chhawani & to drive e-governance and improved citizen services across all 62 cantonment boards in the country.

Highlights:

• The combination of technological intervention and administrative reform will be achieved through Digital Infrastructure for Governance, Impact & Transformation(DIGIT), India’s Largest Open Source Platform for Urban Governance.
• The application suite include the following- Dashboards, Web Portals, Property Tax, Miscellaneous Collection, Trade License, Public Grievance Redressal System, Fire NoC system, Water & Sewerage Charges, Online Building Permission System & Finance & Accounting System.
• Meeting the mandate of Cantonment Boards towards citizen-centric service delivery will tend the board’s commitment to enhanced governance by improving delivery of services by multiple channels and make it easier to access all Board-related information online.
• This MoU will help DGDE to enhance the harmonious relationship between the cantonment boards and the public.

Extra Shots:

DGDE: It is the Headquarters of the Indian Defence Estates Service.

• Director General: Deepa Bajwa

eGov Foundation:

• It was established in 2003 by Nandan Nilekani and Srikanth Nadhamuni to partner with city administrators in their drive to leverage the transformative power of technology for better quality of life in our cities and to make them sustainable
• Mission: To improve the quality of life in India’s cities and towns by enabling responsive and reliable local services through DIGIT.Their mission is supported by Nilekani Philanthropies, Omidyar Network and Tata Trust as our long term benefactors.
• Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
• CEO: Viraj Tyagi

APPOINTMENT

Dilip Oommen becomes new President of Indian Steel Association

• Indian Steel Association (ISA) has appointed Dilip Oommen as its new President.
• He is presently the CEO of Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India.
• He was unanimously appointed as President for the next two years.
• He will replace Tata Steel CEO TV Narendran, who stepped down as President on May 1.
• Oommen is a veteran of the steel industry with more than 37 years of experience and an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-K).

Govinda Rajulu Chintala appointed as chairman of NABARD and two others as Deputy Managing Director

• The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet has appointed Govinda Rajulu Chintala as the Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• He is presently serving as the Chief General Manager at NABARD and will remain on the post till his superannuation in July 2022.
• Presently, Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala is serving as the Chairman of NABARD.

Other Appointments

Shaji KV as the Deputy Managing Director

• The appointments committee of the union cabinet has also cleared the appointment of Shaji KV as the Deputy Managing Director at NABARD for a period of five years.
• He is currently serving as the General Manager at Canara Bank.

P.V.S. Suryakumar as the Deputy Managing Director

• V.S. Suryakumar is also appointed as Deputy Managing Director till his superannuation in July 2023.

Note:

• Along with the appointments, the tenure of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary in the AYUSH ministry, has been extended on a contract basis for two years.

Extra Shots:

NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is an Apex Development Financial Institution in India. The Bank has been entrusted with “matters concerning Policy Planning and Operations in the field of credit for Agriculture and other Economic activities in Rural areas in India”.

• Founded: 12 July 1982
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Agency executive: Harsh Kumar Bhanwala (Chairperson)
• Purpose: Development assistance; Poverty Reduction
• Formation: July 12, 1982; 37 years ago
• Subsidiaries: Nabcons, NABVENTURES Ltd., Nabkisan Finance Ltd., NABSAMRUDDHI Finance Limited

Carmen Reinhart appointed as Chief Economist of World Bank Group

• World Bank Group has appointed Carmen Reinhart as its new Vice President and Chief Economist.
• Her appointment will be effective from June 15, 2020.

Carmen Reinhart

• She was a Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Director at the IMF and Vice President and Chief Economist of the investment bank Bear Stearns.
• Carmen Reinhart has been ranked among the top Economists worldwide based on publications and scholarly citations.
• She was also awarded the King Juan Carlos Prize in Economics as well as NABE’s Adam Smith Award.
• She has been listed among Bloomberg Markets Most Influential 50 in Finance, Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers, and Thomson Reuters’ The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds.

Extra Shots:

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Development Association.

• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: David Malpass
• Parent organization: World Bank Group
• Membership: 189 countries (IBRD); 173 countries (IDA)
• Purpose: Economic development

Former IAS Officer appointed as Chairman of J&K PSC

• J&K Government has appointed B R Sharma, former IAS Officer, as Chairman Public Service Commission for the UT of J&K.
• Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu has appointed Sharma as PSC Chairman who shall hold the position of the Chairman, Public Service Commission till he attains the age of sixty two years.

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

NADA provisionally suspends powerlifters Savita Kumari & Ankit Shishodia

• Two Indian Powerlifters namely Savita Kumari & Ankit Shishodia have been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA).
• The powerlifters have been provisionally suspended for violating the anti-doping rules. Both athletes were given a chance to present themselves before the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) to explain their cases.
• But because of lockdown amid COVID-19 pandemic, no sitting of panel could take place.

Extra Shots:

NADA: The National Anti-Doping Agency is the national organisation responsible for promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the doping control program in sports in all its forms in India.

• CEO: Navin Agarwal
• Founded: 24 November 2005
• Chairman: Minister of Sports (India)
• Motto: Play fair
• Purpose: Anti-doping in sports
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India

DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

26 Defence Items approved by Defence Ministry to boost Make in India

• Ministry of Defence approved procurement of 26 defence items to boost “Make in India” initiative. This was done through the amendment of Public .
• The Ministry of Defence has so far notified 127 items to under which the local suppliers will be given preference.
• Of these 127 items, these 26 items are more important.

Special preference to 26 items

• The 26 items have been made important under Clause 3(a) of Public Procurement Order, 2017.
• According to the order, the procuring entities shall procure these items only from the local suppliers. Also, they shall procure the items irrespective of the purchase value. This has been done so that the local suppliers meet Minimum Local Content (MLC).
• Some of the items are oil pumps (50% of MLC), doors (60%), high temperature Gasket (50%), etc.

Public Procurement Order

• The Public Procurement Order was issued in 2017 to promote Make in India campaign. It promotes production and manufacturing of goods and services to improve income and employment.

Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

• The above steps are being done to boost economic growth of the country. The MSMEs of India has been badly hit due to the threat of COVID-19.
• Among all other initiatives, the GoI is to give importance to locally manufactured goods under the scheme.
• In order to achieve this, import of certain goods are to be banned in defence sector. By this, indigenization of the country is to be improved.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Defence is charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the Indian armed forces. The President of India is the ceremonial commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the country.

• Preceding Ministry: Department of Defence (1938–47)
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Founded: 15 August 1947
• Annual budget: 4.71 lakh crores INR (US$66 billion, 2020–2021)
• Officeholders: Rajnath Singh (Minister), Subhash Bhamre (Minister of State)

BOOKS & AUTHORS

SRI ADHIKARI BROTHERS ‘GaltiKiski’ – A show based on the book written by Super Cop – Kiran Bedi to air on Doordarshan

• Sri Adhikari Brothers opens up for audiences yet another classic hit show –‘GaltiKiski’ –based on the book ‘What Went Wrong and Why?, written by super cop &the current Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry – Kiran Bedi.
• The show is to air onDoordarshan National from 19th May every day at 01:00PM.
• ‘GaltiKiski’is a real-life narrative based on the book ‘What Went WrongAnd Why?’witten by the super cop Kiran Bedi – A unique compendium of real-life first hand experiences – candid, poignant, touching and thought-provoking – that will compel peopleto sit up and take notice.
• A true revelation of social and economic maladies that adversely affect the present-day society and the way one can handle such scenario and a destination for those who sought help in similar matters.

Extra Shots:

Doordarshan is an autonomous public service broadcaster founded by the Government of India, owned by the Broadcasting Ministry of India and one of Prasar Bharati’s two divisions. One of India’s largest broadcasting organisations in studio and transmitter infrastructure, it was established on 15 September 1959.

• Motto: Satyam Shivam Sundaram
• Founder: Government of India
• Founded: 15 September 1959, Delhi
• Owner: Prasar Bharati
• Headquarters location: New Delhi

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